How To Make Sure Your Teeth Whitening Lasts

Many people want to whiten their teeth, which is no longer surprising as a bright smile comes with several benefits. Getting dentist-administered teeth whitening treatment is one effective way to brighten your smile, but the process doesn’t end there.

After your treatment, you need to care for your teeth properly to make the results last. Teeth whitening isn’t permanent, but you can keep your teeth as bright as possible by committing to certain practices.

Making teeth whitening results last

  1. Avoid colored beverages. As they say, if it’ll stain your white shirt, it’ll also stain your teeth. Coffee, soda, tea, fruit juices can leave stains on your teeth. Avoid them for the next 48 hours after your treatment. If you must indulge, consider drinking through a straw to avoid direct contact with your teeth.
  2. Be cautious when eating food with dark-colored sauce. Curry, soy sauce, and tomato sauce are common teeth discoloration culprits. You don’t have to avoid them altogether, but reducing your intake can help keep your teeth white for longer. The same goes for highly-pigmented fruits like berries and mangoes. They’re healthy, but they can contribute to teeth stains.
  3. Stop smoking. Smoking doesn’t only cause deep-set teeth stains, but it’s also linked to various dental issues. When you smoke, it’ll be harder to maintain a white smile. You'll also increase your risk of various oral health diseases. Quitting smoking is the best way to go, not only to prevent tooth discoloration but also to protect your overall health.
  4. Consider switching to teeth whitening toothpaste. Use a toothpaste type that will protect against staining. By keeping stains from accumulating on your teeth, you can maintain your radiant smile for longer. Also, take your toothbrush kit with you anywhere you go so you can brush your teeth at any time.
  5. Drink plenty of water. If brushing isn't possible, drink water to help get rid of residue on your teeth. Rinse your mouth as well with plain water. Hydrating with water will help keep saliva flowing and replenish minerals that the enamel is losing.
  6. See your dentist regularly. With professional dental cleanings, you can keep your teeth as bright as possible until your next teeth whitening procedure. Your dental hygienist can remove stains or debris that daily brushing and flossing can’t get rid of. And your dentist can also examine your mouth for potential issues.
  7. Schedule your touch-up treatment. Professional teeth whitening performed by a dental care practitioner is safe. Teeth whitening touch-ups can be done every six months or two years. On the other hand, excessive use of over-the-counter products without advice from your dental team can be detrimental to your teeth enamel. Instead of your smile looking flattering, it may start to appear too white, unnatural, and distracting.

Think of teeth whitening as a daily challenge

Your daily habits and choices can impact the appearance of your smile. Don’t let all the effort you’ve put in to achieve a white smile go to waste. Complement your teeth whitening treatments at the dental office with good oral hygiene habits. Then, you can wait for longer before getting your next touch-up.